How much shooting do you do? There is a big difference between what I carry and my blanket recommendation for people, but here is a fairly plain jane breakdown for an absolute novice.
In the house/night table: 12ga pump (Rem 870 is fairly common and can be had reasonably), S&W K Frame 4" bbl .38/.357 (M-10,13,19,64,65,66). A 12ga and a K frame loaded with .38 Special, most people will be able to handle either.
Concealed Carry: Carry the biggest (closest to full size, not a Desert Eagle) you can conceal comfortably. My thing is normal size guns are easier to shoot well, and easier to hit with. The same handguns as above, if you have to have something smaller try for a shorter barrel, or go to a Colt Detective Special or one of the S&W J frames. Whatever you are going to carry , practice practice practice.
In the end, it really depends on your skill level and what firearms you are comfortable with. I love the 1911 and think it is the greatest pistol ever designed, but I would not recommend it as a carry piece to a first time shooter.